Leeds United’s pursuit of a new goalkeeper is still ongoing and hardly past square one, with Leeds now approaching a month until the Premier League opener against Everton on August 18.
Leeds are expected to be in the market this summer for a new goalkeeper, with Illan Meslier set to leave Elland Road in due course. The Frenchman is in the final year of his deal, and the feeling is he will be sold.
Plenty of goalkeepers have been linked. England internationals like Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope have been linked with Leeds, while another battle with Sunderland for Wolves ace Sam Johnstone could arrive.
But the two most likely signings between the sticks remain Lyon’s Lucas Perri, even if Lyon have won their appeal against relegation, and Torino’s giant Serbian goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, this summer.
A close up image of Vanja Milikovic-Savic ahead of Torino vs Udinese.
Photo by Loris Roselli/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Torino proving stubborn in chase for Vanja Milinkovic-Savic
The 28-year-old has thrown himself onto the European radar in recent seasons, largely since starring for Serbia in the 2022 World Cup. Gianluca Di Marzio reports Leeds are in talks to sign Milinkovic-Savic.
The goalkeeper has a release clause in his contract worth £19m for foreign sides, while it is a bit smaller for Serie A sides. Antonio Conte and Napoli are keen to lure him to the Serie A champions this summer.
But he wouldn’t start. Given Leeds worked hard to strike a £15m deal for Jaka Bijol and are unwilling to go above £12m for Sean Longstaff, it is clear that every penny matters for Leeds during the transfer window.
So, the latest news comes as a blow. TMW say Torino will only sell if they are forced to and the £19m clause is met. It means Adam Underwood will have to change tack if he is to sign Milinkovic-Savic.
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of Torino Fc
Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Jose Mourinho could make surprise swoop for Milinkovic-Savic
It is not just Leeds and Conte’s Napoli that are interested in signing Milinkovic-Savic. Fenerbahce and Leeds continue to find themselves locked in similar circles when it comes to the negotiating table.
Mourinho is keen to replace Dominik Livakovic, with Leeds tabling a £6m bid for Livakovic. Illan Meslier has also been linked, but Fenerbahce want to sign the “underrated” 6ft 8in star and have made an offer.
Fenerbahce also don’t want to meet Torino’s asking price and to get around it, Mourinho has offered a £4.3m fee plus defender Rodrigo Becao. It is unclear if Torino are interested in doing a deal for him.